Packaging machine and method



May l1, 1965 H. GANZ PACKAGING MACHINE AND METHOD 6 Sheets-Sheet l FiledMay lO, 1963 VENTOR.

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l PACKAGING MACHINE AND METHOD Filed May l0, 1963 6 Sheets-Sheet 2INVENTOR fyi/vx? Y 6fm/z 'Qv HH.TH P mmimmll ,/l QM .Q wwow Q S V hw -dab kb May 11, 1965 H. GANZ PACKAGING MACHINE AND METHOD Filed May 1o,196s 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTQR W, Tm

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l PACKAGING MACHINE AND METHOD F'iled May 10, 1965 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVEN TOR. /f Aff/v@ v @YA/vz L jBY ORNE Y6 May l1, 1965 H. GANZ PACKAGINGMACHINE AND METHOD 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed May 10, 1953 INVENTOR f//f/w?Y /,w Z

May l1, 1965 H. GANZ 3,182,431

PACKAGING MACHINE AND METHOD Filed May l0, 1965 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 11:1.En. y d T l ATrORNEys' United States Patent l 3,182,431 PACKAGNG MACHINEAND METHD Henry Ganz, 610 Churchill Road, Teamch, NJ. Filed May 10,1963, Ser. No. 279,4d2 22 Claims. (Cl. SES-32) This invention relates ingeneral to new and useful improvements in the packaging of containerswithin wraparound cartons formed of paperboard, heavy paper, plastic orother similar flexible packaging materials, and more particularlyrelates to a machine particularly adapted for applying the carton to aplurality of containers disposed in two rows and the method of applyingsuch cartons utilizing the machine.

This invention particularly relates to machines of the type disclosed inmy prior Patent No. 2,986,857 granted on June 6, 1961, my Patent No.3,061,985 granted on November 6, 1962, and my pending application SerialNo. 227,255, filed October l, 1962, for Machine and Method for PackagingArticles, of which this application may be considered acontinuation-in-part application, and pertains to modifications of themachines disclosed in the above patents and application.

yThis invention particularly relates to a machine which has incorporatedtherein means for forming a keel from a closure panel of the carton andinserting the keel between the rows of containers at ends of thecontainers during the normal operation of the machine to wrap a cartonblank around a plurality of containers and to lock the closure panelstogether to form a rigid package Another object of this invention is toprovide a novel machine for use in automatically applying a wrap-aroundcarton to a plurality of containers and wherein the carton has a pair ofclosure panels, the machine having means for separately moving theclosure panels towards ends of the containers with one of the closurepanels being in advance of the other, and as the one closure panel comesinto engagement with the ends of the containers, the machine functionsto form a keel from the one closure panel and inserts the keel betweenthe rows of containers, after which the machine further functions tolock together the closure panels in the forming of a rigid package.

Another object of this invention is to incorporate in a conventionaltype of package forming machine which includes means for automaticallywrapping a carton around a plurality of containers disposed in two rows,a rail for automatically forming from a closure panel of the carton akeel which, as it is progressively formed during the movement of thecontainers, is being disposed between the two rows of containerswhereby, in effect, the keel is formed between the rows of containers.

Still another object of this invention is to provide in accordance withthe foregoing a machine having means for separating containers disposedin rows adjacent first ends of the containers, and then after the keelhas been formed and positioned between the first ends of the con-Atainers, bringing the containers back together as the closure panels ofthe carton are being interlocked,

Another object of this invention is to provide in a machine particularlyadapted for automatically applying a carton of the wrap-around type to aplurality of containers disposed in rows, a first mechanism for strikingfrom a closure panel of a carton blank a plurality of keel stabilizingtabs, then applying the carton blank to the rows of containers in theconventional manner but bringing the closure panels towards the ends ofthe containers with the one closure panel trailing the other, themachine also including a rail for progressively forming a keel from theother of the closure panels in between the ends of the containers of therows, the machine further having a rail for guiding the keel stabilizingtabs into the keel, after which the closure panels are interlocked.

Another object of this invention is to provide a method in accordancewith the foregoing wherein the keel is positioned between the containerssimultaneously with the formation thereof.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel method ofinsuring a tight package formed from a plurality of containers and awrap-around carton, the method including the steps of striking from aclosure panel of the carton blank a plurality of stabilizing tabs,applying the carton blank to the containers in the customary manner andwhen the closure panels of the carton are being applied to ends of thecontainers, the other of the closure panels is moved towards thecontainer ends in advance of the one closure panel with the otherclosure panel being shaped as it engages the container ends to define akeel which is passed between the rows of containers, after which thestabilizing tabs of the one closure panel are passed into the keel andthe closure panels are interlocked.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a novel method ofapplying a wrap-around carton of the type wherein one closure panelthereof is provided with a keel having notches therein for lockinglyreceiving chimes of cans, the method including the steps of advancingthe cans in two rows, and while wrapping the carton around the cans inthe conventional manner, spacing apart the ends of the cans againstwhich the closure panels are to be applied, thereafter bringing one ofthe closure panels into engagement with the can ends and formingtherefrom a keel between the can ends, `and thereafter bringing backtogether the cans during the interlocking of the closure panels wherebythe chirnes of the cans are received within the notches or chime-cuts ofthe carton to interlock the cans with the keel automatically during theforming of the package.

With the above and other objects in view that will hereinafter appear,the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood by referenceto the following detailed description, the appended yclaims and theseveral views illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of the upper portion of the machine and showsmounted therein a carton blank for the application to a plurality ofcans.

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view takengenerally along the line 2 2 of FG- URE 1 and shows more specificallythe details of the structure of the machine and the manner in which thecarton blanks are applied to sets of containers.

yFliGUliE 3 is a plan view taken through the lower portion of themachine generally along the line 3 3 of FIG- URE 2 and shows thespecific details of the means for forming and inserting the keel of thecarton.

FEGURE 4 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical sectional viewtaken generally' along the line ll- 4 of FIGURE 3 and shows a set ofcans after the initial application of the carton blank thereto with theside panels of carton blank being disposed loosely alongside the sidesof the cans prior to the initiation of the folding of the closure panelsbeneath the ends of the cans.

tFiGUR-E 5 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical sectional Viewsimilar to FIGURE 4 and taken along the Iline 5-5 of FGURE y3 and showsthe rail for spreading apart the lower ends of the cans and theapplication of folding blades to effect the folding of the closurepanels beneath the can ends in timed sequence.

FEGURE 6 is an enlarged fragmentary verticalsectional view takentransversely of the machine along the line 6-6 or" FGURE 3 and shows oneofthe closure panels brought into engagement with the undersides of thecans while the arsenal Q3 l other of the closure panels has its movementtowards the can ends retarded by rneansof a rail.

LFIGURE 7 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view takentransversely of the machine along the Vline 7-7 of FIGURE 3 and showsthe uppermost one of the closure panels after it has been worked upon bya centrally located rail to define an upstanding keel which is disposedbetween. the spaced apart lower ends of the cans.

IFIGURE 8 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical sectional viewtaken along the line 8-'8 of lFIGURE 3 and shows the carton blank at thetime a keel stabilizing tab carried by the 'lowermost of the closurepanels is being urged into the keel.

FIGURE -9 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical sectional'viewtaken generally along the line 9 9 of FIGURES and shows Vthe keel as itappears after it has received the keel stabilizing tabs and the canshave been brought close together for the locking of the closure panel,the initial step of locking together the closure panels having beenperformed.

vFIGURE `l() is an enlarged fragmentary transverse verti- 4 calsectional view similar to FIGURE `9 and shows the then lower portion ofthe carton after it has been completely applied to the cans.

lFIGURE 1l is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal.

' carton blank, generally referred to by the numeral 15.

The carton blank is particularly adapted to be applied to six cans. Thecarton blank 1S, as far. as this invention is concerned, is divided intoa central panel 16, a pair of` side panels 17 and a pair of closurepanels 18 and'v19.

The central panel 16 is separated from the side panels 17 by fold lines20, and fold lines 21 separate the closure panels 18 and 19 from theside panels 17. In order to provide for an interlock between cans-andthe side panels 17 in the final package vwherein the carton is wrappedaroundthecansyeach of the side panels 17 is provided with a plurality ofchime-cuts .22 spaced along and adjacent the fold lines 20. Also, thecentral panel 16vis provided with centrally located cushion tabs 23which cooperate with the v chime-cuts 22. The details of the cushiontabs 23 and thecooperation thereof with the chime-cuts 22 `are set forthin my above referred to pending application Serial No. 227,255.

The carton blank is also provided with can spacing tabs 24 which arelocated generally centrally of the'centralV panel 16.v The can spacingtabs 24 are bendable out of the plane of the central panel 16 and aredisposed .be-

' tween chimes of cans in adjacent rows at the ends of the cans againstwhich the central panel 16 bears.

The closure panel 19 is provided with a latching ilap 25 pivotal catches27. The latching ap'25 has tongues 28 projecting therefrom in alignmentwith the pivotal catches 27. The closure panel 18 is provided with aplurality of latch openings 29 for the reception of the pivotal n.

catches 27 and the tongues y28 in the manner best described in my priorPatent No. 2,986,857. n

The closure panel 18 is also provided with a pair of .spaced similarinterrupted fold lines 30A and l311 which Y portion 32 and adapted tointerlockingly receive chimes of cans.

The closure panel19 is provided with a pluralityof keel stabilizing tabs35 which are hingedly connected to the closure panel 19 along fold lines36. The tabs 35 cooperate with a keel formed from the keel formingporrt'ion 32. in a manner to be described hereinafter.`

In the illustrated carton blank 15,.the central panel 16 is intended tobe .a bottom panel. and the closure panels 18 and 19 are intended tocombine to deiinea top panel of the resultant carton. ing of thecompleted package, the closure panel ,19 is provided with a plurality ofC-shaped cuts 37 which define finger receiving openings. The C-.cuts 37also dene tabs 38 which are foldable down into the confines of thecarton between adjacent cans. In order to provide clearance for the tabs38,' the closure panel 18 is provided with elongated openings 39extending `transversely ofthe keel forming portion 32 in alignment'withthe tabs 38.'

Althoughthe carton blank -15 is intended to be used in the abovedescribedmanner, it is. to be understood that .it is equally as Wellfeasible to provide thev linger receiving openings in the central panel16 with thek result that the closure panels 18 and 19 Will define thebottom panel of the resultant carton.V Furthermore,V when the centralpanel 16 is thetop panel, can interlocking and retaining means thereofmay be varied and itis feasible thatthe carton for which the machine ofthis application is intended could be modied for engagement with bottlesby providing the central panel 16 with a plurality of bottle neckreceiving openings. The cut outs 34 'inthe keel forming portion 32would, of course, have to be modified slightly for the reception ofbottles.'v Accordingly, .While the specific machine of this application,which now will be described, is intended for specic use with the cartonblank 15, it is to be undersood that portions of the machine whichV arenot parts of this invention Amay be changed in accordance with thecartonconstruction. This invention is primarily directed to the mannerin which the keel forming portion 32 is shaped to form a keel positionedbetween two rows ofrcontainers, and the manner in which the keelstabilizing tabs35Y are inserted into the keel, after which the closurepanels 18 ,and 19 are unlocked and the containers are brought intointerlocking engagement with thekeel. Y

The machine Ifor applying the 'blank 15 to a'plunality of cans C isgenerally referred to by the nurneral 4b. Basically, `the machine 4i)includes a frame,v generally referred to by the numeral 41. The frame4.1 includes a pairrof spaced parallel longitudinally extending cartonblank sup-V port plates 42 which are disposed .adjacent the outer edgesof the frame. The plates 42 are disposedin the upper portion of themachine and are spaced apiant a distance to provide' adequate support`for. the-.ends vof the carton blank 15. Angular cro-sis sectionalrcarton blank guide members 43 .overlie the support plates 42 and extendlongitudinally thereof.-- The relationship of the rblank guidememlbers-43 andthe supportplate 42 is such that a narrow ledge 44 1sprovided along the inner surface of each lsupport plate 42 ,forrcceivingend portions of canton blanks 15. This is clearly shown in FIGURE l.

VThe central portions of the .carton blanks `15 are supported .by .apai-r of longitudinally' extending endless conveyor chains y45 which-areprovided at spaced intervals Iwith lugs 46 for engaging behindV cartonblanks 15 and effecting the movement thereof from left-to right in FIGUTRE l at regularly Yspaced intervals. IIt is to be understoodv that theconveyor chains 45 together .with the sup- Yport plates 42 provideadequate support-,forthe carton blanks 1S during the movementthereofgt-hrough the upper port-ion ofthe machine 40. The mech-anismofthemachine 40.r includes a transverse shaft 47 which extends b'=tween-remote-.portionsofthe frame 41;-and is suitably journalledinbearin'g elements (notshown) carried by the frame 41.Y ;inY .aconventional manner. The shaft 47 overlies the path of. carton blanks15` supported on the shelves orledg'es 44. The .shaft 47 is providedwith a sprocket 48 which is driven byy meansof a dnive chain 49 in anysuitable .conventional-manner With the shaft 47 In order to facilitatethe carrybeing rotated in timed relation to the movement of the conveyorchains 45.

The shaft 47 carries a plurality of circular plates which include afirst circular plate 56 which is aligned with one set of the cushiontabs 23. rThe circular plate 5@ carries three lingers 51 which come intoengagement with the cushion tabs 23 aligned therewith and strike thecushion Vtabs upwardly out of the carton blank 15. A similar plate 52 iscarried by the shaft 47 in opposed relation to the plate 50 andgenerally in alignment with the others of the cushion tabs 23. The plate52 carries a plural-ity of lingers 53 for engagement with the second setof cush- .ion tabs. A third, centrally located circular plate 54 iscarried by the shaft d'7 generally .in alignment with the tabs 24. Thecircular plate 54 carries a plurality of fingers 55 spaced in accordancewith the spacing of the tabs 24.

The frame 41 includes a transverse frame assembly 56 which supportssuitable rails 57 and 5S in a manner described in my copendingapplication Serial No. 227,255, for the purpose of folding the cushiontabs 23 and the tabs 24. J

The shaft 47 also carries a circular plate 59 which carries a pluralityof lingers 6i) aligned with and spaced in accordance with the spacing ofthe stabilizing tabs 35. A guide rail assembly 61 is generally alignedwith the fingers 60 and is supported from the adjacent guide rail 43 bymeans of suitable straps 62. The guide rail assembly 61 includes anouter rail 63 and an inner rail 64 which receive the stabilizing tabs 35and hold them in upstanding positions.

Another folding rail 65 is supported from the adjacent guide rail 43 bymeans of straps 66. The folding rail 65 serves to reversely fold thestabilizing tabs 35 whereby they are retained adjacent the plane of theblank 15, but are free to fold upwardly into vertical positions. Thepurpose of the folding rail 65 is to effect the over-folding of thestabilizing tabs 35.

A still further folding rail 67 is disposed longitudinally Of thefolding rail 65 and is supported from the adjacent guide rail 43 bymeans of straps 63. The fold rail 67 is positioned for engaging thereversely folded stabilizing tabs 35 and returning them to positionsnormal to the carton blanks 15.

The frame 4l also carries a transverse shaft 69 which is suitablyjournalled in bearings (not shown). The shaft 69 is driven from theshaft 47 by means of a drive chain and sprocket arrangement 7G. Theshaft 69 carries a pair of clamp wheels 71 which are associated with therails 57 and which carry fingers 72 for effecting the interlocking ofthe cushion tabs 23 with adjacent portions of the carton blank 15. Thisis described in my copending application Serial No. 227,255 and furtherdescription here is believed to be unnecessary.

At the time the carton blank I5 approaches the right end of the machine4t) as viewed in FIGURE 1, the cushion tabs 23 are folded around andinterlocked with the adjacent portions of the carton blank in the mannerillustrated and described in my application Serial No. 227,255. Thespacing tabs 24 are disposed in upright relation, as are the stabilizingtabs 35. The carton blank is now prepared for engagement with a set ofsix cans in a manner to be described hereinafter.

In the right end of the frame 41 there is a transversely extending shaft73 which is suitably journalled in bearings (not shown) carried by theframe 41. The shaft 73 is provided with a pair of centrally locatedsprockets 7d over which the conveyor chains 45 are entrained, and theshaft 73 is driven by the conveyor chains 45. The shaft 73 also carriesa plurality of support wheels 75 which have associf ated therewithsuitable guides 76 which are supported by a transverse frame member '77,as is best shown in FIG,- URE 2. The guides 76 control the movement ofthe partially folded carton blanks 15 around the axis of the shaft 73'inthe manner clearly shown in FIGURE 2.

A set of six cans is delivered to the machine di) along a suitablesupport 78. The cans C pass from the support 78 onto a pair of spacedsupports 79 and 80 which are suitably supported from the frame 41 bymeans of a transversely extending plate 81. The plate 8l is carried bysuitable transverse frame members including a transverse frame member 82illustrated in FIGURE 3. The support 78 is provided with a pair oftransversely spaced guides 83 which maintain the cans C in closelyspaced transverse relation. The plate Sl has a pair of guides S4 whichare generally aligned with the guides S3 and serve to prevent outwardmovement of the cans C off of the supports 79 and 86.

The machine 4t? also includes a pair of conveying chains 85 which aredisposed adjacent the outer extremities of the frame 4I, and which passaround sprockets 86 carried by a transverse shaft S7 which is mounted inthe lower portion of the machine et), as is clearly shown in FIG- URES 2and 3. The conveying chains 85 are connected together at regularlyspaced intervals by means of transverse pusher members SS which arespaced in accordance with the spacing of the lugs d6 and the conveyingchains S5 are driven in timed relation to the movement of the conveyorchains 45.

As the cans C approach the machine 4@ along the support 75, they aremaintained in transversely spaced relation by means of a verticallydisposed divider rail S9. A set of six cans is engaged by one of themembers 63 and is transferred from the support 7S onto the supports 79and Sil. rhe cans C pass in two rows on opposite sides of a divisionrail 96 which has a base portion 91 disposed between the supports 79 and80, as is best shown in FIGURE 4. The division rail $6, as is best shownin FIGURES 3 and 5, is of a tapered construction and increases in widthso as to space apart the cans C at the lower ends thereof.

Referring once again to FIGURES 2 and 4, it will be seen that as thepartially folded carton blanks I5 pass around the support wheels 75, thecentral panels I6 of each carton blank l5 is brought into engagementwith the upper ends of the cans with the spacing tabs 2d passing betweenthe upper ends of the cans C and being clampingly engaged by the chimes92 thereof. The set of cans C and the associated carton blank l5 thenmove in unison from right to left, as viewed in FIGURE 2, along thesupports 79 and t?. While the lower ends of the cans C are being movedapart, the side panels f7 and the closure panels IS and E9 are beingfolded down around.

the cans C by means of folding wings 93 which are carried by arms 94mounted on a transverse shaft 95 which is suitably supported from theframe il and is driven in timed relation to the movement of the cans Cin a manner described in my Patent No. 2,986,857. At the same time, theclosure panel i9 is engaged by a pair of offset wheels 96 and 97 to foldthe carton blank along the fold line 26 and to fold the tongues 2Sslightly out of the piane of the latching flap 25 in the manner bestdescribed in my Patent No, 2,986,857.

The machine 46B also includes a pair of folding plates fill and M2 whichlie in the same plane as the support plates 79 and 8b and oppose theplates 79 and S6, respectively. The folding plates 10.1; and im arecarried by suitable supports w3 which are part of the frame di. As thecarton blank 15 continues to move with the cans C, the closure panel IScomes into engagement with the folding plate fdl and the closure panelI9 shortly thereafter comes into engagement with the folding plate to2.As a result, the closure panels f8 and I9 are progressively folded bythe folding plates lill and M52 beneath the bottoms of the cans C withthe closure panel .118 being folded in advance of the closure panel t9.The specific outlines of the folding plates ffii and 162 to accomplishthis folding of the closure panels IS and 19 is clearly shown in FIGURE3. It is also clearly shown in FGURE 3 that the support plate 79 is of afolding plates 101 and 102 by means of spacers 105.l

Itis necessarythat the side panels 17 are held closely against the sidesof the cans C so that the fold lines 21 will correspond with the lowerends of the cans C.

Reference is now made toFlGURES 2, 6 and 7 wherein it will be seen thatthe left endof the division rail 90 is loffset upwardly and has theunderside thereof spaced above the plane of the support plates 79 and 80and the folding plates` 101 and 102. rl`his provides a clearance for avertically disposed folding blade v106 Ahaving an upper cam surface 107.The folding blade '106, the shape of which is best shown in FIGURE `2, v

is carried by an angle bracket 108 which, in turn, is

supported by a transverse frame member 109 of the frame 41. It is to benoted that the. upper left-hand portion of the folding blade 106, as isshownin FIG- URE 4, is seated generallyin the recess formed by the upperoffsetting of the division'rail 90. It is also to be noted that theupper part of the folding blade 106 'is' offset, as at 110, to provideclearance for the closure panel 19.

The folding blade 106 `also carries a folding member, generally referredto by the numeral 111. The folding member 111 includes an upper portion112 which is secured to the upper portion of the folding blade 106 bymeans of screws 113. The upper portion 112 has secured to the undersidethereof a depending iade member 114 which is engaged by the closurepanel 19 and restricts due to theurging of the folding plate 102. Theupper portion 112 has a downwardly `and inwardly sloping right-handsurface 115, as is`clearly shown in FIGURES 6 and 7, toelfect theclearance of the closure panel 19, as

is shown in FIGURE 7. The upper portion 112 also the upwardffoldingmovement of the closure panel 19 has a left-hand'face 116 which isvertically disposed and which tapers .towards the center of the machine40 to effect the guiding of the stabilizingrtabs 35 in a manner to bedescribed hereinafter.

Referring once again to FIGURE', it will be seen that the folding plate101 serves to bring the closure panel 19V against the undersides of thecans C above the cam i surface 107 of the folding blade 106. Then as thecans C and the carton blank 15 move in unison along the.A

machine 40, the rail forming portion 32 of the carton blank is broughtinto engagement with the cam surface 107 of the folding blade 106 withthe result that an upstanding keel 117 is formed from the closure panel1S between the lower endsk of the two rows of cans C. As the keel 117 isbeing formed, the cutouts or `notches 34 therein are brought intoalignmentk with the chimes 92 at the lower ends of the cans C, as isclearly shown in FIGURE 7.

As the closure panel 19 is moved-towardsengagement with the undersidesof the cans C by the engagement thereof with the folding plate 102, themember 111 assures the movement of the stabilizing tabs 35 into thenewly formedkeel 117. It is to be noted from FIGURE 8 that the keelshaping folding `blade 106 is decreasing in height so as to maintain theopen shape of the keel 117 while permitting the stabilizing tabs 35 tobe moved within the conlines thereof. At this time the cans C aresupported by the folding plates 101 and 102.

Referring now-to FIGURE 9, it will be yseen that the cans C have beentransferred from the folding plates 101VV and 102 to support plates 118and the closure panel `19 in face-to-face engagement with theundersidesV of ,the

cans C andthe portion Iof the closure panellS overlapped by the closurepanel 19.: At the same time, the

cans Cr have been returned together and are held in tightly engagedrelation by means -of suitable guide rails 119 whichare supported by thesupport plates 118.l The cans C are initially brought to this.relationship yby means of rollers 120` carried by the folding plates 101and 102, as shown in FIGURE 3.

As theV closure panelv 19 is brought into Vengagement with theundersides of the cans C, the latching flap 33 is engaged by aY verticalplate 121 and a folding .plate 122 in the :manner disclosed inV myPatent No. 2,986,857, to bring the pivotal catches 27 through the'latchopenings 729. In the further operation yof the machine 40, other cartonlatching mechanism, which .is 'disclosedl in my Patent No. 2,986,857 butnot specifically illustrated here, continues folding operations ou the`latching flap 33 and the tongues 36 to completefthelockingtogether ofthe closure panels 18 and'19 in the manner clearly shownin FIGURElO.

Attention is now directed. to` the` fact that the fingerV openings ofthe carton are .disposed in the Vclosure panel 19. Accordingly, itwillbe readily apparent that the cans C are initiallypackagedin theirinverted, positions and kit is necessary that the completed packagecomprising six vcans and the carton must be inverted; However, it

is also apparent thatwhile it is beneficialV to have theY keel 11,7 atthe top of the resutlant package so that the keel 117 may aid in thesupporting of the cans from the theny top panel of the package, it isalso feasible for the keel117lto be at the bottom of the package. event,the ,finger openings would be in the .central panel 16 which, -in llieuof being the bottom panel, would then be theftop panel. It is alsofeasible that the keel 117 may be slightly modied as far asthe notchingthereof is concerned so-thatrit may beinterlockedwith bottles. Insuchevent, the central panel 16, in lieu of being provided with cushiontabs, would be providedrwith neck receiving openings.

It willibe readily apparent that the machine of this applicationprovides for lthe automatic initial folding lof portions of a cartonblank, and then automatically appliesrtheinitially foldedcarton blank toa group of containers to provide a rigid package wherein-ends of thecontainers are separated by means of a keel, ,and the keel may bestabilized by means of stabilizing tabs, when desired. Y v

Although only a preferred embodiment of the invention has beenspecifically illustrated and described herein, it isto be understoodthat ,the machine and. method disclosed herein may be modified withinthe spirit and scope of theV invention, as defined in the appendedclaims.

I claim: i 1 In a machine for. applying lto containers arranged in rowsa wrap-around carton blank having a central panel, side panels andterminal closure panels, and wherein one of the closure panels has akeel forming portion for positioningbetween,the rows of containers;means for moving the blank and two rows of containersv in unison, meansfor forcing the centralpanel intor engagement with first container endportions, `means for wrappingV -ing portion inbetween the rows ofcontainers and forming a keel'therefrom between the rows. of containers.2.V In a machine for vapplying to containers arranged 1n rows awrap-around cartony blank having la central Y panel, side panels andterminal closure panels, and Vwheref in one of the closure panels has akeel forming portion 9 for positioning between the rows of containers;means for moving the blank and two rows of containers in unison, alongitudinally extending rail for spacing apart the rows of movingcontainers, means for forcing the central panel into engagement with rstcontainer end portions, means for wrapping the side panels around thecontainers, means for separately moving the closure panels towards theopposite ends of the containers with the one closure panel being inadvance of the other and a longitudinally extending rail disposedcentrally of the paths of movement of the rows of containers and havingan upper surface progressively passing into the space between the pathsof movement of the rows of containers for engagement by the keel formingportion to progressively move the keel forming portion in between therows of containers and forming a keel therefrom between the rows ofcontainers.

3. The machine of claim 2 together with carton closing means includingmeans for tightly urging the rows of containers together and against thekeel.

4. The machine of claim 2 wherein said row spacing rail is of a Haringconfiguration.

-the closure panels has a plurality of keel stabilizing tabs;

means for moving the blank and two rows of containers in unison, meansfor forcing the central panel into engagement with rst container endportions, means for wrapping the side panels around the containers,means for separately moving the closure panels towards the opposite endsof the containers with the one closure panel being in advance of theother, means for forming a keel from the keel forming portion andforcing the keel between the two rows of containers, and means forinserting the keel stabilizing tabs into the keel.

6. In a machine for applying to containers arranged in rows awrap-around carton blank having a central panel, side panels andterminal closure panels, and wherein one of the closure panels has akeel forming portion for positioning between the rows of containers andthe other of the closure panels has a plurality of keel stabilizingtabs; means for striking the keel stabilizing tabs from the otherclosure panel to a position generally normal to the plane thereof, meansfor moving the blank and two rows of containers in unison, means forforcing the central panel into engagement with first container endportions, means for wrapping the side panels around the containers,means for separately moving the closure panels towards the opposite endsot the containers with the one closure panel being in advance of theother, means for forming a keel from the keel forming portion andforcing the keel between the two rows of containers, and means forinserting the keel stabilizing tabs into the keel.

7. In a machine for applying to containers arranged in rows aWrap-around carton blank having a central panel, side panels andterminal closure panels, and wherein one of the closure panels has akeel forming portion for positioning between the rows of containers andthe other of the closure panels has a plurality of keel stabilizingtabs; means for moving the blank and two rows of containers in unison,means for forcing the blank panel into engagement with first containerend portions, means for wrapping the side panels around the containers,means for separately moving the closure panels towards the opposite endsof the containers with the one closure panel being in advance of theother, means for forming a keel from the keel forming portion andforcing the keel between the two rows of containers and a guide rail forguiding the keel stabilizing tabs into the keel as the other closurepanel is moved -into engagement with the container ends.

8. The machine of claim 7 wherein said tab guide rail includes adepending nger for engagement by the other panel and a guide faceleading towards the keel for engagement by the keel stabilizing tabs.

9. In a machine for applying to containers arranged in rows awrap-around carton blank having a central panel, side panels andterminal closure panels, and wherein one of the closure panels has akeel forming portion for positioning between the rows of containers andthe other of the closure panels has a plurality of keel stabilizingtabs; means for moving the blank and two rows of containers in unison,means for forcing the central panel into engagement with iirst containerend portions, means for wrapping the side panels around the containers,means for separately moving the closure panels towards the opposite endsof the containers with the one closure panel being in advance of theother, a longitudinally extending rail disposed centrally of the pathsof movement of the rows of containers, and having an upper surfaceprogressively passing into the space between the paths of movement ofthe rows of containers for engagement by the keel forming portion toprogressively move the keel forming portion in between the rows ofcontainers and forming a keel therefrom between the rows of containers,and means for inserting the keel stabilizing tabs into the keel.

l0. In a machine for applying to containers arranged in rows awrap-around carton blank having a central panel, side panels andterminal closure panels, and wherein one of the closure panels has akeel forming portion for positioning between the rows of containers andthe other of the closure panels has a plurality of keel stabilizingtabs; means for moving the blank and two rows of containers in unison,means for forcing the central panel into engagement with iirst containerend portions, means for wrapping the side panels around the containers,means for separately moving the closure panels towards the opposite endsof the containers with the one closure panel being in advance of theother, a longitudinallly extending rail disposed centrally of the pathsof movement of the rows of containers, and having an upper surfaceprogressively passing into the space between the paths of movement ofthe rows of containers for engagement by the keel forming portion toprogressively move the keel forming portion in between the rows ofcontainers and forming a keel therefrom between the rows of containers,and a guide rail for guiding the keel stabilizing tabs into the keel asthe other closure panel is moved into engagement with the containerends.

1l. The machine of claim 10 wherein said tab guide rail is mounted onand supported by said longitudinally extending rail.

l2. In a machine for applying to containers arranged in rows awrap-around carton blank having a central panel, side panels andterminal closure panels, and wherein one of the closure panels has akeel forming portion for positioning between the rows of containers andthe other of the closure panels has a plurality of keel stabilizingtabs; means for moving the blank and two rows of containers in unison, alongitudinally extending rail for spacing apart the rows of movingcontainers, means for forcing the central panel into engagement withfirst container end portions, means for wrapping the side panels aroundthe containers, means for separately moving the closure panels towardsthe opposite ends of the containers with the one closure panel being inadvance of the other, a longitudinally extending rail disposed centrallyof the paths of movement of the rows of containers, and having an uppersurface progressively passing into the space between the paths ofmovement of the rows of containers for engagement by the keel formingportion to progressively move the keel forming portion in between therows ofy containers and forming a keel therefrom between the rows ofcontainers, and means for inserting the keel stabilizing tabs into thekeel.

arsenal for positioning between therows of containers and they other ofthe closure panels has a plurality of keel stabilizing tabs; means forstriking the keel stabilizing tabs from the other closure panel to aposition generally normal to the plane thereof, means for moving theblank and two rows of containers in unison, means for forcing thecentral panel into rengagement with rst container end portions, meansfor wrapping the side panels around the containers, means for separatelymoving the closure panels towards the opposite` ends of the containerswith the one closure panel being in advance of the other, alongitudinally extending rail disposed centrally of the paths ofmovement of the rows of containers, and having an upper surfaceprogressively passing into the space between the paths of movement ofthe rows of containers.

for engagement bythe keel forming portion to progressively move the keelforming portion in between the rows of containers and forming a keeltherefrom between the rows of containers, and means for inserting thekeel stabilizing tabs into the keel. Y

l5. A method of forming a package including two rows of containers and awrap-around carton having a central panel, side panels and terminalclosure panels, the method comprising the stepsof applying the centralpanel to first end portions .of the containers and moving the carton andcontainers in unison, folding the side panels alongside the containers,separately folding lthe closure panels towards the other ends ofthecontainers with one of the closure panels being in advance of the other,shaping a keel from the one closure panel, forcing` the keel between therows of containers, and then locking together said closure panels.

16. A method of forming a package including two rows of containers and awrap-around carton having a central panel, side panels and terminalclosure panels, the method comprising the steps of applying the centralpanel to first end portions of the containers and moving the carton andcontainers in unison, folding theside panels alongside the containers,separatelyfolding the closure panels towards the other ends ofthecontainers with one of the closurepanels being in advance of the other,simultaneously shaping a keel from the one closure panel and forcing thekeel between the rows of containers, and then locking together saidclosure panels.

17. A'method of forming a package including two rowsfof containers and awrap-around carton having a central panel, side panels and terminalclosure panels,

the method comprising the steps of applying the central f panel to iirstend portions of the containers and moving the carton and containers inunison, foldingthe side panels alongside the containers, progressivelyspacing apart the rows ofV containers adjacent the other ends:

thereof, separately folding therclosure panels towards the vother endsof the containers with one of the `closure panels being in advance ofthe other, shaping a keel from vthe one closure panel, forcing the keelbetweenthe rows of containers, and then bringing the rows of containerstogether and locking together said closure panels.

18. A method of forming a package including twoV thereof, separatelyfolding the closure panels towards` the other ends of the Containerswith one of the closure l2 panels being in advance` ofthe other,simultaneously shaping a keel from the one. closure panel and forcingthe keelV between the: rows of containers, and then bringing the rows ofcontainers together and locking together said closure panels.

19. A method of forming a package including two rows of containers Vanda wrap-around carton having a central panel, side panels and terminalclosure panels, the method comprising the steps of striking keelstabilizing tabs .from the other closure panel, applying the centralpanel to first end portions of theeontainers and moving the carton and`containers in unison, folding the side panels alongside the containers,separately folding Vthe closure panels towards the other ends of thecontainers with one of the closure panels being in advance of the other,shaping a keel from. the one closure panel, forcing the keel betweentherows yof containers, inserting the keel stabilizing tabs into thekeel, and then locking together said closure panels.

20. A method of forming a package including, two rows of containers anda wrap-around carton having a central panel, side panels and terminalclosure panels, the method comprising the steps of striking keelstabilizing .tabs from the other. closure panel, applying the centralpanel to first yend portions of the containers and moving the carton andcontainers in unison, folding the side panelsralongside the containers,separatelyfolding the closure panels towardsthe other endsof thecontainyers withone of the closure panelsjbeingin advance of Vcentralpanel, side panels and terminal closure panels,

the method ,comprising the steps of striking kerel stabilizing tabsfrom'the other closureY panel, applying the `central panelto rst endportions of the containers and moving the carton and containers inunison, folding the side panels alongside the containers, progressivelyspacing apartthe rows of containers adjacent the other ends thereof,separatelyk folding theclosure panels towards the other ends of thecontainers with one of the closure panels being in advance of the other,shaping akeel from the one closure panel, forcing the keel between therows of containers,` inserting the keel stabilizing tabs into the keel,and .then vbringing the rows of containers together and lockingftogethersaid closure panels.

22. A method of forming a-package including two rows of containers `anda wrap-:around carton having a central panel, side panels and terminalclosure panels,V

the method comprising the steps of striking keel stabilizing tabs fromthe other closurefpanel, applying the central panel to first endportions of the containers and moving the carton yand containers inunison, folding the side panels alongside the containers, progressivelyspacing apart the rows of containers adjacent the other ends thereof,separately foldingrthefclosure panels ytowards the other ends of thecontainersjwith one of the closure panels being -in advance of theother, Vsimultaneously shaping a keelv from the one closure panel andforcing ,the keelbetween the rows of containers, inserting -thei keelstabilizing tabs into the keek-and then bringing the rows of containerstogether and locking together said closure panels.;

References Cited by theEXaminer UNITED STATES PATENTS 4/60 Gentry 53-483/61 Andre et n. 53`209

15. A METHOD OF FORMING A PACKAGE INCLUDING TWO ROWS OF CONTAINERS AND AWRAP-AROUND CARTON HAVING A CENTRAL PANEL, SIDE PANELS AND TERMINALCLOSURE PANELS, THE METHOD COMPRISING THE STEPS OF APPLYING THE CENTRALPANEL TO FIRST END PORTIONS OF THE CONTAINERS AND MOVING THE CARTON ANDCONTAINERS IN UNISON, FOLDING THE SIDE PANELS ALONGSIDE THE CONTAINERS,SEPARATELY FOLDING THE CLOSURE PANELS TOWARDS THE OTHER ENDS OF THECONTAINERS WITH ONE OF THE CLOSURE PANELS BEING IN ADVANCE OF THE OTHER,SHAPING A KEEL FROM THE ONE CLOSURE PANEL, FORCING THE KEEL BETWEEN THEROWS OF CONTAINERS, AND THEN LOCKING TOGETHER SAID CLOSURE PANELS.